Conor McGregor: UFC fighter tops Forbes' annual athletes rich list

Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor was the highest-paid athlete over the last year, according to the annual Forbes list.

McGregor earned US$180 million over the 12-month period ending May 1st, to top the list ahead of football duo Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

According to Forbes, the Irishman made the majority of his earnings outside the octagon, with US$158 million from endorsements and the recent sale of the majority stake of his whiskey brand.

Messi, who was second on the list, set a record for the highest-earning footballer after bringing home US$130 million, while Ronaldo came in third with US$120 million.

[Source: Stuff.co]